In response to feedback from homeless people with type 2 diabetes and staff working with them in Tower Hamlets, the East End Health Network (EEHN) have created a series of seven diet guides to better meet the needs of people with diabetes who are homeless or in temporary living.
Produced by Joseph Carvell, a Dietician for people living with diabetes, and Dr Amy-Kate Hurrell, a Clinical Psychologist for people living with diabetes, these diet guides cater for people with diabetes that:
- have access to a microwave or grill,
- have access to an oven and a hob,
- are dependent on alcohol,
- are using food banks,
- are eating food donated by a food outlet,
- are street homeless,
- are eating at a hostel or mission.
For any further information on the guides, please contact joseph.carvell@nhs.net
“The aim of producing the guides was to fill a gap in the information provided to people with diabetes who are homeless or in unstable accommodation. We visited missions, shelters, soup kitchens, food banks and charity premises to talk to people who are currently homeless or using these services.
We wanted to find out from them what the challenges were in trying to manage their diabetes in these difficult circumstances. We also met with the providers to find out what food and support they were able to give to the people in need of their services, aiming to make the guides as useful and relevant as possible.
We are disseminating the guides throughout Tower Hamlets and wherever they may be of use elsewhere, and we continue to update them as we gain more insight and feedback from this vulnerable group.”
Joseph Carvell
